Chapter Ten: Biodiversity

Section One: What is biodiversity? A World Rich in Biodiversity Biodiversity: the number of different species in a given area There are only 1.7 million species known to science It is estimated that greater than 10 million live on earth Gene: a piece of DNA that codes for a specific trait that can be inherited by an organism’s offspring

Section One: What is biodiversity? Benefits of Biodiversity Every species has an important role in the ecosystem When one species disappears, the food web is disrupted Keystone species: a species that is critical to the functioning of the ecosystem in which it lives Genetic diversity is critical for species survival We depend on species for medical, industrial, and agricultural uses

Section One: What is biodiversity? Benefits of Biodiversity Ethical reasons to preserve biodiversity Ecotourism: a form of tourism that supports the conversation and sustainable development of ecologically unique areas

Section Two: Biodiversity at Risk Current Extinctions Species prone to extinction Endangered species: a species that is likely to become extinct if protective measures are not taken immediately Threatened species: a species that has a declining population and that is likely to become endangered if it is not protected

Section Two: Biodiversity at Risk How do humans cause extinctions? Habitat destruction and fragmentation Invasive and Exotic Species Exotic species: a species that is not native to a particular region Harvesting, Hunting, and Poaching Poaching: illegally hunting, harvesting, fishing, and trading wildlife Pollution

Section Two: Biodiversity at Risk

Section Two: Biodiversity at Risk Areas of Critical Biodiversity Endemic Species: species that are native to and found only within a limited area Tropical Rainforests Coral Reefs and Coastal Ecosystems Islands Biodiversity hot spots: the most threatened areas of high species diversity on Earth

Section Two: Biodiversity at Risk Areas of Critical Biodiversity Biodiversity hot spots in U.S. Hawaii, Florida Everglades, and California Coastal Region

Section Three: The Future of Biodiversity Saving Species One at a Time Captive-Breeding Programs California Condor and Panda Preserving Genetic Material Germ Plasm: any form of genetic material of plants and animal Zoos, Aquariums, Parks and Gardens

Section Three: The Future of Biodiversity Preserving Habitats and Ecosystems Conservation Strategies Okefenokee Swamp Florida Everglades National Parks

Section Three: The Future of Biodiversity Legal Protections for Species U.S. Laws Endangered Species Act: a law designed to protect plant and animal species in danger of extinction List of endangered and threatened species is compiled by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Section Three: The Future of Biodiversity Legal Protection for Species Habitat conservation plan: a plan that attempts to protect one or more species across large areas of land through trade-offs or cooperative agreements

Section Three: The Future of Biodiversity International Cooperation International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) CITES: Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species First effort to stop the ivory trade Earth Summit Biodiversity Treaty: an international treaty signed to protect biodiversity and ensure the sustainable and fair use of genetic resources in all countries

Section Three: The Future of Biodiversity International Cooperation Private Conservation Efforts World Wildlife Fund The Nature Conservancy